The 2020 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir from Auntsfield Estate is a masterful expression of place, purity, and pedigree, crafted from one of Marlborough’s oldest hillside Pinot Noir plantings. Auntsfield holds the distinction of being Marlborough’s first vineyard and winery, initially established in 1892. Today, the Cowley family carries on that pioneering spirit, producing wines that speak with authenticity and precision of their Southern Valleys terroir. The Hawk Hill block, a dramatic 4-hectare site perched on the estate’s steepest slopes, is so named for the Kahu, New Zealand’s native Harrier Hawks that soar above its thermals. This elevated, ancient site yields fruit of exceptional intensity and character, earning its place among the estate’s elite Single Block Reserve wines.
In the glass, the 2020 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir nose is captivating, revealing a splendidly fruited and complex bouquet of black plum, dark cherry, and wild thyme that intertwine with hints of dark mushroom and toasted spice. The palate is nothing short of refined power, layered with concentrated dark berry fruit, silky tannins, and a luxurious texture that glides effortlessly. There’s both depth and elegance here, culminating in a persistent, poised finish that reflects the site’s unique hillside exposure and ancient soils.
